Searchers Use Cadaver Dog to Find Drowning Victim

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Wednesday marks day three for the search of the missing swimmer who drowned in the Ocmulgee River on Monday. Searchers used a cadaver dog, to narrow down the area and they believe they know where the body is.

Even though it ained, searchers still looked for the body of 24-year-old Aaron Austin Cross. Motorboats were back out on the water and this time officers used a special tool to help with the rescue efforts, a cadaver dog.

The cadaver dog and his handler were out on the water in the morning. They traveled up and down the river and the dog picked up a scent just off the river bank. The canine handler tells 41NBC the area is about 75 feet long by 40 feet wide—that’s where searchers believe Cross’ body could be located.

A tow truck had to pull a log out of the water in that area so Georgia Department of Natural Resources officers could continue searching. They used sonar equipment and dragged that area thouroughly, but the body hasn’t been found yet.

Family and friends stood nearby, watching the search and hoping to get some closure.

Searchers kept looking until it got dark. DNR Sergeant Tony Fox says search efforts could suspend tomorrow depending on the weather.

Stay with 41NBC for updates on this story.